Jan. 11 2016
I bought this book @Waterstones in London on our NYE trip with the kids.
As a little treat I bought myself some new books...nine to be exact (I love books!), and this one was the first one I grabbed as it was displayed on a neat little table close to the staircase.
So what made me pick this book?
After this 'Mindy-book-disaster' I should be less spontaneous or impulsive and not only go for some hints on the cover, but I guess that's how this business works! And it definitely works with me!
Let me summarize:
- I liked the title : who would not like to know reasons to stay alive
- The Sunday Times Bestseller - maybe I should drop that from my list of reliable hints for buying good books (Mindy's was a New York Times Bestseller)
- Stephen Fry ! I absolutely love Stephen Fry
summary on the book:
what does it meant to feel truly alive?
This is the true story of how Matt Haig .....
and that's when I stopped reading the summary and bought the book right away.
Two days ago when I started reading the book, I was surprised to find out right away on the first page that it's all about depressions.
I have had my moments too in life, grey, black dark and frightening, but I do also have a family history of so-called depressions and suicide attempts (my sisters, my aunt . . . ) why I don't take that word seriously but rather consider it being a phenomenon 'à la mode'.
Nevertheless, the book captivated me and I really wanted to get to know more about Matt and his story and I really want to understand what else might be behind this word 'depression'.
I have read only few pages yet but will add my book review to this post as soon as I'll have finished the book.
addendum Jan. 17 2016
I finished Matt Haig's book tonight and have to admit I really really liked it.
As mentioned before, I was quite skeptical when I noticed on the first page that this books was about depression, but there were some wonderful quotations and poignant chapters, like 'reasons to stay alive' , 'Abraham Lincoln and the fearful gift' or ' how to be a bit happier than Schopenhauer' .
I was astonished though by what ease Matt Haig seemed to have overcome the deeps of his life full of anxiety and depression which made me think 'oh wow, if it's that easy the why the hell are there so many so-called depressive people out there whining and not able to manage their lives.'
Somehow it feels like the book lacks a bit of drama, but on the other hand, that's exactly what makes it so wonderful.
It's an encouraging book, honest and inspirational. It was a pleasure to read.
Go for it!
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